Enter in Service

There are two powerful spiritual teachings about how to make important decisions: One teaching encourages us to “create our own reality.” The second teaching tells us to “let go and let God." These teachings, though, are exact opposites.

The first seeks to strengthen our individual will by directing us to visualize our personal goals in order to bring toward us that which we most want; the second seeks to dissolve our individual will, and to listen for Divine guidance. Yet both are true, and both are needed. We can’t live only with the goal of satisfying our own needs, because this can lead to narcissism and indifference, but we also can’t simply wait to hear from God, because this can lead to inaction and confusion. At times we may feel the tug toward one approach, and at other times we will be drawn to the other, so how can we decide?

A hint to the resolution of these two teachings can be found in the writing of the Biblical Prophet Zachariah. In a mystical vision that contains direction on how to heal a world torn by violence and hatred, he heard these famous words,

Not by valor (literally “soldering”), not by strength, but with My Spirit.

In other words, while work needs to be done, it can not be effectively accomplished by physical power or force of will alone. Zachariah is told that he must begin his mission with alignment to spirit, in order to manifest the highest that is in himself, for his own growth and for the benefit of others. He is told to enter with the intention to be of service to others.

As all spiritual traditions teach, right intention leads to right, effective action. So enter with the intention to be of service! When you begin in this way you will find that the direction for action is embedded in the connection to spirit, and you will know what to do, free of the pull of ego. You will not need to choose between your will and the Divine will, because you will see that these ultimately merge.

Whenever I am called to lead a prayer service, speak in public, or enter a business meeting, I say this short prayer:

May what I am about to say not be about me. May my words and actions be for the benefit of those who are here and are in need.

I have found that whenever I say these words with conviction and sincerity, I become a receptive conduit, and somehow the right words and actions come to me. In these moments I am more effective and more fulfilled than when I seek personal recognition and gain. Paradoxically, this is both impersonal (because it’s not “me” speaking and acting) and yet the most personally satisfying experiences of my life. I have also found, though, that it’s very easy to lose my way, and to forget about service. The pulls of ambition, anxiety, validation, insecurity, fear, and indifference can draw me away. I have discovered, however, that there are several things to do, which help bring me back. The following are a few suggestions:

1. Maintain regular contact with inspirational writings

Rely on the writings of great teachers to motivate and re-energize you. These can include spiritual and motivational books, prayer books, religious texts, Holy Books, or other documents that touch your spirit and inspire you to recommit to service

2. Develop a gratitude practice

Find time to express gratitude for the people in your life and the blessing of your existence. I use the morning commute time on the train to meditate and say “thank you” for all these blessings that I all-too-regularly take for granted. Gratitude is the surest “pattern interrupt” for feelings of fear and indifference - which put us in a defensive position and lead us away from service – and brings us back to spirit.

3. Become sensitive to inner voices, and listen for direction

We all have a myriad of inner voices that call our attention: the voice of ambition, judgment, desire, fear, love... Among all these voices is one that is different. It is clear, fearless, endless, and without personal agenda. And when it speaks we immediately recognize its truth. This is the “still small voice” of the Divine that is the call of spirit. Learn to distinguish this from all the other voices, and listen for its direction and guidance.

4. Open your heart to others

Make contact with another human being at the deepest level that you can. See that at the core this person is exactly the same as you, with the same essential needs and challenges, and animated by the same flow of spirit. When this connection is made, you will naturally feel compelled to serve, knowing that healing another also heals you and furthers the growth of the world.